The Slave is our Brother

Around AD 60, Onesimus, a runaway slave, fled from his master Philemon and likely sought to lose himself in the crowds of Rome to begin a new life. Yet, in God’s providence, Onesimus encountered the apostle Paul, who was under house arrest there. Through Paul’s ministry, Onesimus came to faith in Christ and was convicted of his wrongdoing against Philemon. The letter to Philemon is Paul’s heartfelt appeal, urging Philemon to forgive Onesimus and receive him not as a slave, but as a brother in Christ.

This short letter—just 25 verses—may be Paul’s briefest writing, but its impact is profound. Within its few lines, we find a powerful study in forgiveness. It reminds us of the beauty of second chances, the unity and equality believers share in Christ, and the transforming power of the gospel to rise above cultural and societal barriers.

In the weeks ahead, we’ll continue to unpack the riches of this short letter—and you won’t want to miss it!

Press on,

Pastor Brian Richard